Translator (computing)

The software development process is noticeably different depending on the type of translator used by a developer, this of course differs from translator to translator. Stages of the development process that are influenced by a translator include the initial programming stage, the debugging stage, and most notably the execution process. Factors that are affected during these stages include code performance, feedback speed for the debugging process, language features, and platform independence. Some of the more notable programming language processors used to translate code are compilers, interpreters, and assemblers.^[5]

Compiler software interacts with source code by converting it typically from a higher-level programming language into object code that can later be executed by the computer's central processing unit (CPU).^[6] The object code created by the compiler consists of machine-readable code that the computer can process. This stage of the computing process is known as compilation. Utilizing a compiler leads to separation in the translation and execution process. After compilation, the new object code is saved separately from the source code resulting in the source code no longer being required for the execution process. With compiler programs, the translation process occurs one-time which results in efficient code that can be executed quickly for any number of times.^[6]

There are clear benefits when translating high-level code with a compiler.^[7]

• Compilation leads to faster run time when executing the program. Since code is translated before execution, its results are optimized and fast.
• Compilers are more ideal when protecting code from plagiarism and preventing the use of source code from an unauthorized party.
• Object code only needs to be created once when compiling source code.

There are clear disadvantages when translating high-level code with a compiler.^[7]

 

• Object code produced during compilation is specific to a machine's instruction set architecture (ISA). This results in object code that is dependent on a specific type of machine in order to run.
• The debugging stage of the development process cannot start until the program is fully compiled. Errors are only viewable after compilation.
• Any source code that is modified must be fully recompiled to be executed again.

Some notable programming languages that utilize compilers include:^[8]

• C
• C++
• COBOL
• Fortran
• PL/I
• Java
• REXX

Interpreter programs function by interpreting high-level code into machine useable code while simultaneously executing the instructions line by line. Unlike compilers, interpreters do not need to compile the code prior to executing the instructions. The translation and execution process are done simultaneously and is interrupted in the event of an error in the program. The use of an interpreter allows developers to test and modify code in real-time. It makes the debugging process easier as well as aids in making more efficient code. Since the translation and execution process is done simultaneously, the execution time for interpreter programs is substantial.^[5]

There are clear benefits when translating high-level code with an interpreter.

• Since object code is not created in the interpretation process, less memory is required for the code.^[5]
• Interpreter languages do not create machine-specific code and can be executed on any type of machine.^[7]
• The development and debugging process is typically quicker due to less complexity and it has more flexibility.^[7]

There are clear disadvantages when translating high-level code with an interpreter.^[7]

• Programs require that an interpreter is installed on the machine in order to run and interpret it.
• The execution time of the program is slower than a compiler.

Some notable programming languages that utilize interpreters include:^[5]

• Python
• JavaScript
• Perl
• Ruby

An assembler program functions by converting low-level assembly code into a conventional machine code that is readable by the CPU. The purpose of assembly language, like other coding languages, is to make the programming process more user-friendly than programming in machine language. Assembler languages utilize mnemonic devices and symbolic addresses to differentiate between opcode, operands, and specific memory addresses. Many of these components are not easily readable by humans and therefore mnemonics, symbols, and labels make the code decipherable. The assembler works by processing code one line at a time and then moves on to the next instruction. To eliminate issues that occur due to addressing locations, the translation process known as assembly is typically done in a two-pass process. The first pass of assembly is done in order to identify binary addresses that correspond to the symbolic names. This is essential in order to guide pass two which is the line-by-line translation into machine language.^[9]

Commonly used assemblers include:

• x86 assembly languages (used in Intel and AMD processors)^[10]
• ARM assembly language (used in mobile devices)^[10]
• MIPS assembly language (used in gaming consoles)^[10]
• PowerPC assembly language^[10]
• LC-3 assembly language (used primarily in education to program the LC-3 computer) ^[9]

• Binary translator (binary-to-binary, typically code)
• Assembly language translator (low-level source-to-source, code)
• Source-to-source translator (high-level source-to-source, code)
• Rewriter (source-to-source, typically code)
• Source-code formatter (source-to-source, typically code)
• File converter (binary-to-binary, typically data)
• Transcoder (binary-to-binary, data)

• Calingaert, Peter (1979) [1978-11-05]. Written at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Horowitz, Ellis (ed.). Assemblers, Compilers, and Program Translation. Computer software engineering series (1st printing, 1st ed.). Potomac, Maryland, USA: Computer Science Press, Inc. ISBN 0-914894-23-4. ISSN 0888-2088. LCCN 78-21905. Archived from the original on 2020-03-20. Retrieved 2020-03-20. (2+xiv+270+6 pages)
• Pring-Mill, David (2018-03-04). "Why Hasn't AI Mastered Language Translation?". Singularity Hub. Singularity University. Archived from the original on 2019-12-29. Retrieved 2020-02-02.
• Edwards, Stephen A. (Fall 2013). "Language processors" (PDF). Columbia University. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2019-06-24. Retrieved 2020-02-02.
• Tucker, Allen; Belford, Geneva G. "Computer science". Encyclopædia Britannica. Archived from the original on 2019-07-23. Retrieved 2020-02-02.

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